Read Online VANISHED, A Romantic Suspense Novel (Edgars Family Novel) by Suzanne Ferrell - Free Book Online

said with a wink as he held the wood-and-lead-glass door for her.
    She gave him a slanted look of irritation then stepped into the warmth of an Irish pub, complete with Celtic designs etched into the glass panels throughout the space. Rich, dark wood covered the bar, the paneling and all the booths. Numerous televisions mounted around the area marked it a sports enthusiasts’ haven. Luke was right, her new attire helped her relax and blend in with the lunch crowd, many of whom looked like they were going to the baseball game later in the day.
    Detective Jeffers sat in a corner of the pub, a heaping plate of fish and chips and a glass of something dark in front of him. As they approached his table, he scooted out of the booth, focusing his attention on her. Even she would be hard-pressed to miss the sudden male appreciation in his face.
    “Ms. Whitson,” he said, shaking her hand.
    Abigail liked his firm handshake. Sister Rose Thomas always said, You can tell a lot about a person from their handshake . Jeffers’ grip said I’m someone strong and trustworthy .
    Abigail smiled at him before sliding into the booth.
    “Edgars,” the detective said as he shook Luke’s hand too. “Glad you two could join me.”
    “Jeffers.” Luke slid in beside her, muttering under his breath.
    She swore he said something about damn supermodels. When she peeked at him, his mouth was set in a firm line and he stared down at the beer menu. Ever since she walked out of the changing room, he’d been as grumpy as a bear with a burr up his butt.
    Too bad. He’d wanted her in this outfit and he’d just have to get over whatever was bothering him. Putting Luke’s surliness out of her mind, she leaned a little closer to the policeman. “Is there any news about—”
    Luke grabbed her hand, startling her. He stared into her eyes, giving his head a little shake.
    The waitress, dressed in a green T-shirt promoting the pub and jeans stepped up to their table. “Can I take your order?” she asked, smiling sweetly at Luke.
    Flashing the girl his best smile as if nothing in the world was bothering him seconds before, he pointed to the beer section of the menu. “I’ll take a Black and Tan and we’ll have two orders of fish and chips.”
    Abigail swallowed her own sudden irritation. “I’ll just have water, please,” she said when the waitress quit grinning at Luke. “And make that one order of fish and chips, I’d like the Reuben instead.”
    “Don’t know what you’re missing.” Luke winked at the waitress who actually blushed before turning away.
    Did the man know how to do anything but flirt with women?
    Once the waitress brought their drinks and were alone again, Detective Jeffers cleared his throat, drawing their attention back to him. “To answer your unspoken question, Ms. Whitson, no we haven’t gotten any closer to finding your friend.”
    “If you have nothing new, then why did you want to meet with us?” Abigail asked, her irritation with Luke spilling over to the policeman.
    “Simple, sweetheart,” Luke said, sliding his arm onto the back of the booth, once more giving the illusion that they were a couple. “Jeffers wanted to make sure we hadn’t left town.”
    Jeffers shrugged. “I was hoping that after a night’s rest you could give me some more information.”
    “I told you everything I knew last night. I have nothing to hide.” Which wasn’t the truth. While she’d answered his questions honestly, she’d kept her suspicions from him. Luke knowing them was problem enough.
    “I understand you’ve been friends with Miss Mathews for quite some time.”
    “Yes, since childhood.” She took a drink of water and filled him in on meeting Brianna at the orphanage and the years of their friendship.
    “You’ve remained close? Even after college?”
    “We went in different directions after school, but doesn’t everyone? She went into the corporate world and I found work with the government.” She gave a little